Research Assistant in Na-ion Batteries Anodes and Electrochemical Interfaces

Location: South Kensington Campus

Job Summary

The Department of Chemical Engineering is seeking two Research Assistants to work on the  understanding of solid electrolyte interfaces in Na-ion batteries using in house developed  hard carbons. This will be done by using multiple characterization techniques including in operando spectroscopy, electrochemistry coupled with mass spectroscopy, ToF-SIMS, and microscopy based techniques in addition to electrochemical techniques such as impedance spectroscopy. The post is funded by the UKRI associated with a Marie-Sklodowska Curie Action Doctoral Network.  The specific role for this post is to understand the behaviour of hard carbons and the role of surface chemistry, binder and electrolyte  on the performance plus collaborate wider with other members of the consortium and develop carbons for Zn-air batteries.

This is an excellent opportunity to work on a challenging research project at a leading academic institution, within an EU network, and develop multidisciplinary research and leadership skills. To comply with funding conditions, applicants must not have a PhD.  Researchers must be enrolled in a doctoral programme leading to the award of a doctoral degree in at least one EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country and for Joint Doctorates in at least two.  Recruited researchers can be of any nationality and must comply with the following mobility rule: they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date. Researchers must not have spent more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment in the same appointing organisation.

The successful candidate will be expected to register for PhD at Imperial College and meet the requirements for a PhD

 https://www.imperial.ac.uk/chemical-engineering/courses/postgraduate/phd/

Duties and responsibilities

You will learn how to master several characterization techniques available at Imperial and develop a thorough understanding of the formed electrochemical interfaces with different electrolytes.  Working with other members of the consortium, you will integrate this learning into Na and Zn battery applications. A link to the project and partners is here: https://enargizinc.eu

Essential requirements

The following essential knowledge, skills and experience are sought:

• MRes, MSc or equivalent in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, condensed matter physics, electrochemical engineering or closely related discipline.
• Practical experience in battery research; in using glove boxes and assembling batteries at least at coin cell level (pouch desired).
• Practical knowledge of electrochemical techniques (CV, LSV, EIS, Chronoamperometry).
• Mastering several materials characterization techniques (X-ray based, microscopy, mass spectroscopy among others).
• Knowledge of electrochemistry.
• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary and diverse team.

Further Information

The contract will run for 36 months in the first instance, with the possibility of an extension. The post is based in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London.

Informal enquiries about the post can be made to Professor Magda Titirici m.titirici@imperial.ac.uk

To apply, please click the “Apply” button. Candidates will need to complete an online application.

Further information is available in the job description.

Please contact chemeng.staffing@imperial.ac.uk for any queries regarding the application process.

Closing date: Midnight on Tuesday, 14^th May 2024

For technical issues when applying online please email recruitment@imperial.ac.uk

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